Reading FC Match Report: 2016/2017 Season - Championship

26 December 2016READING 3 NORWICH 1

After a dull first forty-five minutes which saw Reading take a the lead as half time approached, the game came to life to produce a highly entertaining second half as the Royals went on to secure an impressive fifth successive home victory. City pressed and contained Reading in a first half of few chances only to fall behind to a rare moment of high quality football. Kermorgant guided Kelly’s free-kick into the net with a subtle glancing header. Early in the second half City briefly reproduced the kind of play which enabled them to recently hold their own in the Premier League, and deservedly equalised through Oliveira. The lead was short-lived, and as the game opened up, Reading regained their lead. City were reduced to ten men and Harriot finished them off with a brilliant third goal.

In the first minute Kermorgant broke down the right and almost found Kelly with an early ball into the box but the City defence quickly snuffed out the danger. It was a promising start but City pressed Reading in their own half preventing them from playing out from the back. The inability of City to make use of their hard won possession resulted in a dull first half. Dorrans had to be substituted after twenty-five minutes after getting in the way of McShane as he tried to take a quick free-kick. The City player only had himself to blame. Had he not decided to stand over the ball to prevent the kick from being taken he would not have sustained the injury. Van den Berg was booked for a typically reckless challenge. Tettey also found his way into the book having tested the referee’s patience on more than one occasion. City could only muster one feeble shot on target. Reading also created few chances. MCleary’s crossing was disappointingly not getting beyond the first defender. Beerens however was troubling the City defence down the left flank and his run was halted by a clumsy challenge by Pinto who rightly received a yellow card. Kelly’s excellent free kick to the near post was met perfectly by Kermorgant to give Reading a half time lead.

City came out for the second half in a more determined frame of mind and put Reading under considerable pressure. Kermorgant almost extended Reading’s lead with a powerful header during the minute’s applause in memory of lifelong Royals fan Dean Tomlin. (What a fitting tribute that would have been!) Reading looked vulnerable on the left side with Blackett occupying a central area and Beerens not always getting back quickly enough to plug the gap. City exploited the weakness to good effect when Jacob cut the ball back for Oliveira to stroke the ball into the net from just inside the box to level the scores on sixty minutes.

The game exploded into life as the game opened up and Reading hit back seven minutes later. Howson resorted to pushing the ball off the line with his arm, and although Reading put the ball in to net the referee had already blown for a penalty. City skipper had to go and Kermorgant stepped up to take the spot kick. Not for the first time this season Reading failed to put the penalty away, but McCleary pounced as the ball rebounded from the crossbar to thump home a header from close range. Reduced to ten men, City did their best to keep in the game, but Reading were able to open up their defence as play became stretched. McCleary forced a good save from Ruddy and Kelly failed to put the finishing touch to a chance beautifully created by McCleary’s pass and Kermorgant’s cushioned header. City fans were not amused with City manager Alex Neil’s decision to replace scorer Oliveira with Jerome with twenty minutes left, prompting chants from both sets of fans casting doubts on his future employment prospects. The referee angered both sets of fans with some bizarre decisions which all helped to ramp up the atmosphere.

Swift returning from injury showed he had not lost his touch with some excellent passing and movement. Combining with Harriot, he provided the icing on the cake, releasing Harriot with a perfectly timed and weighted pass behind a beleaguered City defence. Harriot’s left-footed finish into the top left corner was emphatic and spectacular passing close to Ruddy but giving the City keeper absolutely no chance.

The third goal emptied the stadium. City fans could be forgiven for leaving early, but it was a pity the home fans did not stick around to provide the ovation their team’s performance deserved at the final whistle. Reading are not only accumulating points but are growing in confidence and now looking a good bet for a play-off spot at least. There were some excellent individual performances today but Moore just about edged my choice as man of the match. He defended flawlessly and always looked comfortable on the ball.

John Wells

Post Match Fans' Opinion

PieEater

» 26 Dec 2016 18:38

Again this was a game that could have gone either way, we started the game badly and didn't play at all well in the first half, then we score from a set piece and see out the half.

Second half was much better, Norwich come at us, get a good goal, then came the match changing sending off. What on earth was Howson thinking saving the ball on the line like a keeper. It was a guaranteed red card and a pen even though we scored in the follow up.

Typically we miss the pen and score from the rebound, then Norwich took off Oliveria, and Naismith and bring on the donkey Jerome. That was game over and although Ainsley scored a cracker at the end we were never really troubled.

Good games again for Moore and Kelly, in particular Kelly's set pieces have given us a new edge. Good to see Swift and Williams back although they didn't really shine.

RG7Fan

» 26 Dec 2016 18:46

I thought they actually looked more dangerous once they were down to 10.

Why doesnt the ref play advantage after the handball and award the goal, and then come back and penalise the original offence (handball) with the card? That can happen in open play regardless of whether a goal happens or not.

PieEater

» 26 Dec 2016 18:49

Speaking of the ref - how the oxf*rd can he award a free kick off offside (to be taken) in your own half. Twice.

sloughroyal123

» 26 Dec 2016 18:53

New rule says the freekick is awarded where the ball is touched, not from where the player was originally offside. Ref was right, just one of the first ones I've seen enforce this new ruling.

RG7Fan

» 26 Dec 2016 18:53

Good result, although not the best performance - as you say could have gone either way.

Liam Moore is class. Liam Kelly puts in 110% - never gives up, harries his opponents and often comes off better despite his diminutive size. Not the best game for Ali. Wasnt sure if McShane would make it to the end of the game - looked like he was grabbing his bandaged arm a lot.

Hoss

» 26 Dec 2016 18:54

There was talk in he stands that there has been a change in the law. Can anyone confirm?

PieEater

» 26 Dec 2016 18:54

Another random thought. Norwich have a great squad of players, but the one player who always does well against us is Hoolahan, yet Neil doesn't start him. IMHO he deserves to be sacked - not starting their best player.

George_

» 26 Dec 2016 18:56

Enjoying this false position.

Weren't at our best today against a side that worked us out tactically 1st half. But once again we grinded out another win and a team that can do that when not playing at their best is huge.

Liam Moore is a class above 99% of other championship centre backs I've seen this season. Just oozes pure class.

Great to have Swift & Williams back, but Liam Kelly I thought had another good game today, hopefully this is his year he cements his place in the squad.

RG7Fan

» 26 Dec 2016 18:57

New rule says the freekick is awarded where the ball is touched, not from where the player was originally offside. Ref was right, just one of the first ones I've seen enforce this new ruling.

Covered in FAQ3. Logically it makes sense since the freekick is where the offence takes place - which is when the player becomes active / plays ball / interferes with play.

genome

» 26 Dec 2016 18:58

I'm still scratching my head as to why Neil took off Oliviera. He was causing us serious problems.

Soul Man

» 26 Dec 2016 18:59

Great Decision

Royal Ginger

» 26 Dec 2016 19:08

Despite the missed penalty Kermorgant was MOTM in my opinion. That little header across to Kelly today was magnificent.